Xabi Alonso is speculated as set to start his second game in quick succession for Real Madrid, as all but Fabio Coentrao head out to Juventus.

The midfielder continued his return from a lengthy injury lay-off on Saturday evening with a first start since mid-May for Madrid’s 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano.

On from managing 45 minutes at Vallecas, speculation in the capital is that the 31-year-old is in contention to start Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Juventus Stadium, supported by Sami Khedira and Luka Modric.

AS speculate that Carlo Ancelotti is otherwise pondering a number of changes from the side that faced Rayo, to go with Iker Casillas’ expected return to the goal.

Raphael Varane is believed set to start in defence alongside one from Pepe and Sergio Ramos, whilst Marcelo and Alvaro Arbeloa will come in at full-back.

Angel di Maria is believed the one to miss out in attack, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale set to flank Karim Benzema.